It’s official: Dave & Buster’s is coming to the Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley Mall has been demolishing out buildings on its property in preparation for what it now has officially announced as a planned Dave & Buster’s location. (Photo by Christopher Holland) –

While it’s been widely speculated, it’s now official that Dave & Buster’s will be opening at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall.

Simon Property Group, which owns the mall, confirmed today in a new release that the restaurant/arcade hybrid would be opening in mid-2020.

The mall has been in the process of demolishing a number of outbuildings, including a former Wendy’s and Friendly’s, and an office building that had previously housed tenants such as the Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce.

It had long been rumored that a Dave & Buster’s would be locating there, but mall management and the restaurant operator would not confirm it.

But it is the kind of entertainment destination retail centers like the Lehigh Valley Mall have been trying to attract to get more foot traffic.

John Ferreira, Lehigh Valley Mall manager, said the Dave & Buster’s fits the bill for the retail center.

“The upcoming arrival of Dave & Buster’s in the heart of Lehigh Valley aligns soundly with our center’s customer-centric approach, which aims to provide guests with an array of places to shop, live, work, stay and play under one roof,” Ferreira said.

A group plays a game of Galaga at a Dave & Buster’s (Photo submitted) –

Dave & Buster’s, which is headquartered in Dallas, has 130 locations that combine a sports bar atmosphere, restaurant and arcade with video games, simulators and games of skill.

“The Lehigh Valley has been on our radar, and we’ve found our perfect location at the Lehigh Valley Mall,” April Spearman, vice president of marketing for Dave & Buster’s, said in a release. “Pennsylvania has always given our brand a warm and enthusiastic welcome, and we look forward to providing new and existing guests with the fun entertainment we are known for.”

There are currently Dave & Buster’s locations in Philadelphia, King of Prussia and Camp Hill.

Writer Stacy Wescoe has her finger on the pulse of the business community in the Greater Lehigh Valley and keeps you up-to-date with technology and trends, plus what coworkers and competitors are talking about around the water cooler — and on social media.
She can be reached at stacyw@lvb.com or 610-807-9619, ext. 4104. Follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.